Yes. Pacific Sands Academy is accredited by the National Association for the Legal Support of Alternative Schools (NALSAS). This accreditation allows for the freedom and flexibility in curricula that PSA families use, and is accepted by most colleges and employers — though as with any alternative accreditation, we recommend checking directly with a specific institution if you have concerns.
Enrollment is $500/year. Meetings range from $150–$500/month, depending on frequency. Graduation is a $450 one-time fee.
Yes — we work with students in any state, and even internationally. Enrolling with Pacific Sands Academy meets the compulsory attendance law requirements of most states.
We mainly operate as a distance learning program, with the majority of our meetings held over Zoom or phone. For local families in the Santa Cruz area, we can sometimes meet in person, and we occasionally offer park days or local field trips (though these haven't been well attended). We have also held in-person graduations, which have been quite successful.
Director Shauna Reisewitz holds valid California Teaching Credentials for both Multiple Subjects and Single Subject (Science), and is CLAD certified. She has been working as a teacher since 1991, and as a homeschool high school teacher since 2002. Shauna works directly with each enrolled high school student (and sometimes middle school) to build Individualized Educational Plans.
Yes. Sometimes students just need a year's break from regular high school. Students can enroll and earn credits that they can most often take back to their high school afterward. Discuss this with Shauna in your introductory meeting if this is what you plan.
Absolutely! We can help you figure out how to set up a rich and growthful year for your 8th grade student to repeat 8th grade and become more prepared for high school.
Yes! Teens can graduate when they're ready to take their next steps in life. Some students come to Pacific Sands and graduate within a month, others stay for 5 years or more. Our youngest graduate was 14 years old.
Yes. We work with adults. If they meet the graduation requirements of Pacific Sands Academy, they can earn a high school diploma.
Students must earn all the requirements for a California High School Diploma. We are quite flexible in how this is done. In addition, they complete online portfolios or presentations celebrating their strengths and interests, plus a resume. We want students to be able to use this portfolio for whatever comes next — college, work, or otherwise.
